How to Fix the 4 Most Common Wooden Garage Door Issues

Wooden doors give your garage the best of both worlds: the rustic beauty of natural wood, along with long-lasting strength, durability, and insulation. Like with all doors, however, there’s always a risk they may develop an issue down the line.

In case of a major problem, like a door that refuses to budge, it might be time for professional help or even a complete replacement. But fear not, many smaller problems can be tackled with ease if you have the right know-how.

At Wooden Garage Doors, we’ve got years of experience working with timber doors of all shapes and sizes. Read our guide to discover solutions for the four most common wooden door issues you might come across!

1. Warping

Wood is susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. These shifts can make your door expand or contract over time, causing it to become stiff or not close properly due to increased friction. It’s not uncommon to notice a similar effect with other wooden doors around your home, even if they’re indoors.

If you’ve noticed your door becoming stiff or sticking, especially if you’re heading into winter or summer, take a closer look for signs of warping. If you spot any, grab some fine-grit sandpaper (start with 120 or 150 grit and work your way up to 220 grit) and sand down the most troublesome areas. Sand in the direction of the wood grain until the door opens and closes smoothly.

On the flip side, if your door has warped from being exposed to moisture, a simple fix might be letting it air out. Make sure your garage is well-ventilated, and use a portable dehumidifier if you have one – it can speed up the process of getting your door back to its normal self.

If your door is acting up at the top or bottom, it might not be a warping issue but something with the hinges. Check out the next point for some tips on how to tackle that.

2. Squeaking Hinges

Loud squeaking when you open up your garage door is a dead giveaway that something is wrong with its hinges. This is usually due to friction, lack of lubrication, or rust. A hinge that squeaks will likely become a hinge that sticks, so it’s important to take care of it before the problem gets worse.

Start by giving your hinges a quick once-over for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you spot a minor case of rust, you might be able to buff it out with sandpaper or remove it using a solvent. However, if it looks more serious, it’s likely time to consider replacing the hinges altogether.

If rust isn’t the culprit but the squeaking persists, your hinges are probably just in need of lubrication. Apply a small amount of lubricant (such as WD-40 or silicone spray) to the hinge pins, then open and close the door several times to allow the lubricant to penetrate.

It’s also a good idea to check if the hinge screws are loose. Loose screws can make your door become crooked or even risk the door coming off the garage completely, so tighten the screws to make sure the door fits securely.

3. Cracks or Splits

As wood ages, cracks and splits can develop due to changes in temperature, moisture, or everyday wear and tear. If you don’t address these issues early on, those small cracks could get worse and end up causing some real problems for your door, possibly even requiring a full replacement.

Wood filler is usually enough for smaller cracks. Just fill in the gaps, let it dry, and then sand it for a smooth finish. If the damage is more serious, you may need to use an epoxy wood filler instead – it provides a tougher, more reliable repair.

To keep these issues from returning, think about applying a protective coating to your door. We’re fans of Barrettine Wood Protective Treatment here – it soaks deep into the wood for solid, long-lasting protection, which is why we apply it to every door we send out.

4. Rot and Insect Infestations

Wood is an organic material, which can make it vulnerable to rot and insect infestations. This risk is heightened if your door is consistently exposed to moisture. Rot and insect damage can weaken the structure of the door and make it more prone to failure, so make sure to treat any cases as soon as you spot them – the longer you leave it, the worse the problem will get.

To get started, examine your garage door thoroughly to identify areas affected by rot and insects. Keep an eye out for telltale signs like discoloured or crumbly wood, small holes, and frass (the sawdust-like debris left behind by insects). Give the wood a gentle tap with a hammer, listening for dull, hollow sounds that might signal underlying rot.

Next, use a screwdriver or other appropriate tool to remove any loose or decaying wood. Clear out the affected areas until you hit solid, healthy wood. If insects are present, deal with them using an appropriate insecticide.

Finally, apply wood filler or epoxy wood filler to fill in the gaps left by the rot and insect damage. Once the filler has dried, smooth the repaired spots with sandpaper for a polished finish.

Handcrafted Wooden Doors, Made to Measure for Your Garage

Taking care of your door with DIY fixes and regular maintenance is always best, but sometimes, age or wear and tear make a replacement necessary. If you find yourself in this situation, no need to stress – the team at Wooden Garage Doors are here to lend a hand!

With over 20 years of experience, we’re proud to be the South’s premier choice for beautiful and sturdy wooden garage doors, customised just for you. Our range includes a variety of softwood and hardwood options, each handcrafted using traditional methods to guarantee lasting quality.

No matter your home’s style or your personal vision, you can trust us to design, build, and install the perfect door for you. Take a look at our gallery to see the stunning results we’ve achieved for others!

We offer a full measuring and fitting service for customers in Dorset and nearby counties, and we can also deliver to most areas in the UK Mainland. If you’re ready to get started, get a quote online or give us a call on 01202 670770 today!